[Eyelid burns. An 11-year retrospective evaluation]

This retrospective study has concerned 1115 adults burns patients hospitalized between January 1, 1984 and December 31, 1994 in the CHU Trousseau Burns Centre in Tours. 448 patients who suffered from facial burns were treated in the centre. The rate of facial burns and association with hand burns were observed as usually described, as well as the severity of chemical injuries and prolonged exposure to a heat source. 87 patients underwent grafting of the face and 33 of these patients, were grafted on the eyelids with or without grafts on other areas of the face. Grafting procedures on the eyelids were performed an average of 23.4 days after the injury although the medical staff of the centre had always emphasized the importance of early excision followed by grafting during the same procedure. However, the data showed that grafting was performed significantly earlier when good results (no functional disorders, no chronic conjunctivitis, no ectropion, good mobility) were obtained: 21.6 days versus 34.3, p < 0.05. The causes of the surgical delays observed and the various surgical methods are discussed.